Thousands of Emiratis flock to Sharjah career fair

Visitors at Dubai Parks stand at the National Career Exhibition at Sharjah Expo Centre. Reem Mohammed / The National

Students at the Armed Forces stall at the National Career Exhibition at Sharjah Expo Centre. Reem Mohammed / The National

Women queue for security checks outside the National Career Exhibition at Sharjah Expo Centre. Reem Mohammed / The National

NBAD stall at the National Career Exhibition at Sharjah Expo Centre. Reem Mohammed / The National

The Federal Electricity and Water Authority stall at the National Career Exhibition at Sharjah Expo Centre. Reem Mohammed / The National

Students at the Armed Forces stall at the National Career Exhibition at Sharjah Expo Centre. Reem Mohammed / The National

Students outside the National Career Exhibition at Sharjah Expo Centre. Reem Mohammed / The National

SHARJAH // Emiratis with technical skills were the target of banking and telecom recruiters at the National Career Exhibition that opened on Wednesday in the emirate.

Positions in information technology, risk management and accounting were among those most in need of being filled at the three-day jobs fair.

“We need more Emiratis working in risk management, internal auditing, treasury and information technology,” said Jassem AlBlooshi, executive vice president of Sharjah Islamic Bank.

“We have qualified Emiratis working in the information technology sector, but we need more to fill the higher positions.”

The bank received 300 job applications on Wednesday.

Ahmad Al Doobi, vice president of talent management at Etisalat, said the telecoms service provider was always looking for more qualified and technical Emiratis for its engineering and information departments.

The company needed Emiratis with experience and degrees in electronic engineering.

“We are looking to hire 100 locals at this exhibition,” he said. “We want more locals working in information technology and computer engineering, among others.”

There was also a push to get more locals into the private sector, which makes up more than 60 per cent of the job market, said Saif Al Midfa, chief executive of the Expo Centre Sharjah, where the fair is being held.

Thousands of jobs, internships and training opportunities in finance and banking, information technology and telecoms were being showcased.

“The private sector employs only 10 per cent of national graduates, and events like this can be integral to reducing this gap, making the private sector the employer of choice for Emiratis,” Mr Al Midfa said.

Thousands of Emiratis from across the Northern Emirates also attended the fair.

“I took a look around inside the exhibition and I applied for several positions,” said 22-year-old Shaima Saif, from Ajman, who attended with her brother.

Amina Yousef hoped to get a technical position in the finance sector.

“I am currently employed but I would love to have a back-­office job in a bank,” said the 20-year-old.

Abdullah Mohammed, who was hoping to find a position in the government sector, submitted his CV to several bodies.

“Working in the government is easier and the job security is higher than that of the private sector,” said the 24-year-old.

Ahmad Abdullah, 22, who has finished his law studies, came from Fujairah and was keen on joining the Armed Forces.

“I’m looking at the prospect of joining the Army after I finish my National Service in three months,” he said. “It would be a great opportunity and honour to join the Armed Forces, especially at this time with so many soldiers defending our country.”

Army personnel at the fair said that their booth had attracted a great number of Emiratis looking to serve their country.

The Armed Forces have openings in the Air Force, Air Defence, Navy and Presidential Guard.

The National Career Exhibition runs until Friday.